Fuel Efficiency in aircraft design refers to the measure of how effectively an aircraft converts the energy stored in its fuel into useful work, typically measured as the distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed. It is a crucial parameter in aviation, as greater fuel efficiency contributes to reduced operating costs, environmental impact, and extended range. The formula for fuel efficiency and its SI units are as follows:
Fuel Efficiency Formula: Fuel efficiency is calculated using the following formula:
- Fuel Efficiency (FE): Fuel efficiency is typically measured in units like liters per kilometer (L/km), gallons per mile (gal/mi), or similar units depending on the country’s conventions.
- Distance Traveled (D): The distance an aircraft can cover on a specific amount of fuel. It is measured in kilometers (km), miles (mi), or nautical miles (NM).
- Fuel Consumed (F): The amount of fuel used during the flight, usually measured in liters (L), gallons (gal), or kilograms (kg) of fuel.